Navigating Crisis: The Dual Role of a Tech Recovery Expert and Chef
September 7, 2024, 4:20 pm
In a world increasingly battered by natural disasters, the role of first responders and recovery experts has never been more critical. Brian Evans embodies this spirit. He wears two hats: a tech recovery expert for AT&T and the lead chef for the company’s mobile disaster basecamp. His life is a whirlwind of chaos and calm, a dance between restoring communication networks and serving hot meals to weary responders.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported a staggering 19 billion-dollar weather and climate disaster events in 2024 alone. These events have wreaked havoc, costing nearly $50 billion in damages. While many flee from danger, Evans runs toward it. His mission is clear: restore connectivity and provide nourishment.
Evans’s work is a symphony of preparation and execution. When disaster strikes, the basic infrastructure crumbles. His team must act swiftly. They need to balance immediate meal preparation with the logistics of resupply. This is no small feat. After a storm, vendors are often unreachable. The challenge is immense, but Evans thrives in this environment.
His advice for entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: always have a backup plan. In his world, having alternates is not just a good idea; it’s essential. Evans has cultivated a network of volunteer responders from 46 departments at AT&T. This ensures that when the call comes, there’s always someone ready to step in.
Communication is another cornerstone of his strategy. In the thick of crisis, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Evans emphasizes the importance of articulating the value of recovery efforts to superiors. When he needed more resources, he presented a clear case. The result? A national expansion of their mobile operations.
Speed is crucial in disaster recovery, but so is smart planning. Evans advises protecting the setup phase. Rushing into action without a plan can lead to chaos. During Hurricane Ian, his team took the time to assess the situation. They gathered headcounts, evaluated needs, and organized meal planning. This foresight ensured that responders had hot meals waiting for them after long, grueling days.
The act of breaking bread together is more than just a meal; it’s a morale booster. In the face of adversity, shared meals create a sense of community. Evans learned this lesson in rural Louisiana, where family meals were a staple.
Preparedness extends beyond the immediate team. Evans advocates for personal emergency kits, or "bug out bags." These kits contain essentials like water, snacks, and blankets. They’re a lifeline during disasters. The hope is that they remain untouched, but the peace of mind they provide is invaluable.
Leadership during a crisis is another critical aspect of Evans’s role. A leader must exude confidence. When uncertainty looms, the team looks to their leader for direction. If the leader falters, the team may follow suit. Evans stresses the importance of taking moments to decompress. In high-stress situations, a calm leader can steer the ship through turbulent waters.
The duality of Evans’s roles—tech recovery expert and chef—illustrates a broader truth about crisis management. It’s not just about fixing problems; it’s about nurturing people. In the aftermath of disasters, technology and humanity must coexist.
As the world faces increasing climate challenges, the need for effective disaster response will only grow. Evans’s approach offers a blueprint for others in the field. His blend of technical expertise and culinary skills creates a unique model for crisis management.
In the realm of space and defense, similar principles apply. Gabe Garrett, recently appointed Senior Vice President of Space and Defense at MORI Associates, brings nearly two decades of experience to the table. His role involves leading strategy and operations across key civil and defense accounts. Like Evans, Garrett understands the importance of innovation and strategic partnerships.
MORI Associates is poised for growth under Garrett’s leadership. His background in aerospace and defense equips him to navigate complex programs. He has a track record of delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of clients like NASA and the U.S. Space Force.
Garrett’s appointment reflects a broader trend in the industry. As the landscape of space and defense evolves, organizations must adapt. The intersection of technology and strategy is where success lies.
Both Evans and Garrett exemplify the qualities needed to thrive in high-pressure environments. They understand that preparation, communication, and leadership are key. In their respective fields, they are not just problem solvers; they are visionaries.
As we look to the future, the lessons from these leaders resonate. In times of crisis, we must be ready to adapt, innovate, and support one another. Whether it’s restoring communication networks or leading space missions, the principles remain the same.
In the end, it’s about resilience. It’s about facing challenges head-on and emerging stronger. As the storms rage on, we need more individuals like Brian Evans and Gabe Garrett—those who rise to the occasion, bringing hope and solutions in the darkest of times.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported a staggering 19 billion-dollar weather and climate disaster events in 2024 alone. These events have wreaked havoc, costing nearly $50 billion in damages. While many flee from danger, Evans runs toward it. His mission is clear: restore connectivity and provide nourishment.
Evans’s work is a symphony of preparation and execution. When disaster strikes, the basic infrastructure crumbles. His team must act swiftly. They need to balance immediate meal preparation with the logistics of resupply. This is no small feat. After a storm, vendors are often unreachable. The challenge is immense, but Evans thrives in this environment.
His advice for entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: always have a backup plan. In his world, having alternates is not just a good idea; it’s essential. Evans has cultivated a network of volunteer responders from 46 departments at AT&T. This ensures that when the call comes, there’s always someone ready to step in.
Communication is another cornerstone of his strategy. In the thick of crisis, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Evans emphasizes the importance of articulating the value of recovery efforts to superiors. When he needed more resources, he presented a clear case. The result? A national expansion of their mobile operations.
Speed is crucial in disaster recovery, but so is smart planning. Evans advises protecting the setup phase. Rushing into action without a plan can lead to chaos. During Hurricane Ian, his team took the time to assess the situation. They gathered headcounts, evaluated needs, and organized meal planning. This foresight ensured that responders had hot meals waiting for them after long, grueling days.
The act of breaking bread together is more than just a meal; it’s a morale booster. In the face of adversity, shared meals create a sense of community. Evans learned this lesson in rural Louisiana, where family meals were a staple.
Preparedness extends beyond the immediate team. Evans advocates for personal emergency kits, or "bug out bags." These kits contain essentials like water, snacks, and blankets. They’re a lifeline during disasters. The hope is that they remain untouched, but the peace of mind they provide is invaluable.
Leadership during a crisis is another critical aspect of Evans’s role. A leader must exude confidence. When uncertainty looms, the team looks to their leader for direction. If the leader falters, the team may follow suit. Evans stresses the importance of taking moments to decompress. In high-stress situations, a calm leader can steer the ship through turbulent waters.
The duality of Evans’s roles—tech recovery expert and chef—illustrates a broader truth about crisis management. It’s not just about fixing problems; it’s about nurturing people. In the aftermath of disasters, technology and humanity must coexist.
As the world faces increasing climate challenges, the need for effective disaster response will only grow. Evans’s approach offers a blueprint for others in the field. His blend of technical expertise and culinary skills creates a unique model for crisis management.
In the realm of space and defense, similar principles apply. Gabe Garrett, recently appointed Senior Vice President of Space and Defense at MORI Associates, brings nearly two decades of experience to the table. His role involves leading strategy and operations across key civil and defense accounts. Like Evans, Garrett understands the importance of innovation and strategic partnerships.
MORI Associates is poised for growth under Garrett’s leadership. His background in aerospace and defense equips him to navigate complex programs. He has a track record of delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of clients like NASA and the U.S. Space Force.
Garrett’s appointment reflects a broader trend in the industry. As the landscape of space and defense evolves, organizations must adapt. The intersection of technology and strategy is where success lies.
Both Evans and Garrett exemplify the qualities needed to thrive in high-pressure environments. They understand that preparation, communication, and leadership are key. In their respective fields, they are not just problem solvers; they are visionaries.
As we look to the future, the lessons from these leaders resonate. In times of crisis, we must be ready to adapt, innovate, and support one another. Whether it’s restoring communication networks or leading space missions, the principles remain the same.
In the end, it’s about resilience. It’s about facing challenges head-on and emerging stronger. As the storms rage on, we need more individuals like Brian Evans and Gabe Garrett—those who rise to the occasion, bringing hope and solutions in the darkest of times.